Stunning $1.5m Pennsylvania castle set to be auctioned for bargain price – but there’s a very obvious catch
A historic Pennsylvania castle with a price tag of $1.5 million is going to auction, but the new owners may be disappointed with the amount of land surrounding the property.
Located in Ambler, Lindenwold Castle boasts a whopping 24,000 square feet of space and a rich history tied to an asbestos magnate.
The beautiful castle was once surrounded by lush gardens and ample outdoor space, but the ornate property is now sandwiched between other residential buildings.
The bargain, mentioned by Paramount real estate, was once owned by Richard Mattison, a pharmacist and co-founder of Keasbey & Mattison Co.
Since then, the castle has been transformed from a Victorian mansion to an orphanage and even a film set.
However, the property’s legacy is also involved in Ambler’s industrial history, as reported by the Philadelphia researcher.
The city was once known as the ‘asbestos capital of the world’, making the property’s appeal controversial.
It was originally purchased by Mattison in 1888 and extensively renovated in 1912.
Located in Ambler, Lindenwold Castle boasts a whopping 24,000 square feet of space and a rich history tied to an asbestos magnate
The beautiful castle was once surrounded by lush gardens and ample outdoor space, but the ornate property is now sandwiched between other residential buildings
The castle still features original marble fireplaces and gilded wallpaper ceilings that hark back to its glamorous past.
“It’s hard to put a value on this property just because it’s so unique,” Adam Gillespie, principal of Avison Young, which is listing the property for sale, told the Philadelphia Inquirer.
“This could be well suited for office use, apartment conversions, or even single-family use, as it has been in the past.”
But Gillespie also said that some “parts of the building are in shell condition.”
“Now it’s just a matter of details,” he told the outlet. ‘There are a number of rooms that are in good condition, with the original wallpaper and very ornate woodwork, and some parts of the building are shell.’
The estate was featured in the 1966 film ‘The Trouble with Angels’ and later became the property of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, who operated an orphanage there.
A historic Pennsylvania castle with a breathtaking $1.5 million price tag is going up for auction, but it has a fascinating backstory that will leave real estate hunters both intrigued and cautious.
The property’s legacy is also involved in Ambler’s industrial history. The city was once known as the ‘asbestos capital of the world’, making the property’s appeal controversial
The property, listed by Paramount Realty, was once owned by Richard Mattison, a pharmacist and co-founder of Keasbey & Mattison Co.
The dining room in the castle is shown
An interior shot of the castle is shown
The castle still has original marble fireplaces and gilded wallpaper ceilings that refer to its glamorous past
But Gillespie also said some “parts of the building are in shell condition.”
The beautiful castle was once surrounded by lush gardens and ample outdoor space, but the ornate property is now sandwiched between other residential buildings
In fact, recent investors Aquinas Realty Partners have pumped more than $3 million into upgrades, including improvements to the electrical system and a fire suppression system.
The auction to purchase this beautiful historic castle runs from November 16 to December 19. So far no bids have been placed, but that is expected.
“It’s not the easiest path to redevelop this just because it’s so ornate inside,” Gillespie told the outlet. “But I guarantee you, when it’s done, it’ll be spotless.”